No School Monday, February 19 - President's Day
Friday, February 23 ~ Half-Day Schedule ~ Dismissal at 11:45 a.m. for ALL
Full and Half-day Kindergarten and students in the Structured Learning Classroom dismiss at 11:45AM.
In the News
We all are devastated by yet another school shooting this week. It is always our top priority to keep all kids not only physically but emotionally safe. A little over 6 years ago, District 96 invested in remodeling our school entryways to require a "double buzz in" system paired with cameras and an immediate background check system. At that time we also updated our perimeter door processes and procedures. District 96 has a crisis committee that includes administrators and representatives from the police department, first responders and the fire department, and other community agencies. This committee meets monthly and the district crisis plan is up to date and aligned with best practice recommendations. The most recent update has included new training for all staff and students and improvements to our drill processes. While we cannot share any more specifics related to our crisis plan, please know that we are diligent in its implementation and in our consultation with experts. We are keeping all of those impacted by the recent tragedy in our thoughts.
It's understandable if you have questions, when it comes to speaking to your own child about a crisis. Resources we want to make available to help you if your child is asking questions or wants to talk include these prepared by the National Association of School Psychologists:
- Crisis: Helping Children Cope with Grief and Loss
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (Spanish)
Heart Awareness Pop Tab & Spare Change Collection!
The Heart Awareness drive we are doing is one close to our hearts...no pun intended! Just as I'm sure many of you have personal stories or stories of loved ones impacted by heart conditions, there are many of those amongst staff at Willow. Please help us as we strive to collect as many pop tabs as possible for Ronald McDonald House and spare change donations for the Children's Heart Foundation. Here's what we have so far! Can you help us reach the top by the end of February? THANK YOU!
Crossing Guards Needed
As we know, many people contribute to keeping kids safe in our community.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping in that effort, be advised that the Village of Buffalo Grove Police Department will be hiring an additional substitute crossing guard.
Buffalo Grove Police Department Traffic Sergeant Michelle Kondrat invites interested individuals to contact her at [email protected] or call her at 847.808.2634.
Thank you, PTO!
Our students had a wonderful time celebrating our Valentines Day event this week! Thank you to our PTO and parent volunteers for organizing this celebration! Sadly, I missed this grand event as I was out sick. I heard it was incredible and the kids had a blast at the DJ party! I received many pictures of the fun in action, as it was happening. It was the perfect pick-me-up as I was buried in kleenex's trying to get better!
Important Reminders - Residency Check for Current Kindergarten Students - DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23!
Parents must come into the office with the proper paperwork and sign the required form, or you will not receive the email to re-register your child on March 1 with everyone else. Details are following:
FOCUSING ON REGISTRATION…
Registration for the 2018–19 school year begins March 1.
If your student currently attends a KCSD96 school and will attend a KCSD96 school in the next school year, on Mar. 1, 2018, you’ll receive an email with a unique link to carry out that student’s 2018–19 registration online.
Not every returning student will be sent a registration email.
Wait… what?
You will not receive a 2018–19 registration email if you have a student who is now a kindergartner or a 5th grader and you have not gone to his or her school office with required documents since Winter Break to prove your residency.
Required documents include a current monthly mortgage or lease statement or tax bill AND a current utility bill. The administrative assistant at your child’s school will provide a form for your signature (signature must be witnessed by school staff, which is why sending forms in with your child won’t meet the requirement). Contact the administrative assistant with questions.
Administrative assistant contact info:
Willow Grove: Karen Graham [email protected], 847.541.3660
PTO News
PIZZA BINGO SILENT AUCTION - MARCH 22, 6-7:30 P.M. - Donations needed for raffle baskets! Thank you!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We'd love your help with the teacher hospitality meal and/or Pizza Bingo
BOX TOP COLLECTION HAPPENING NOW!
Please read the PTO Blog for more information about all of these highlights!